Took a look at a '72 250CE, which is what it looks like and is marked on the rear trunklid. Climbed behind the steering wheel and there was the factory dash setup for a diesel and on the plate just in front of the shick shift on the center console is a chrome 200D. Sure enough under the hood is a totally stock appearing 200 series diesel engine and bay. The dash appears factory as well. The car has the thin European bumpers and a hood badge from Latvia among others. The front plate is the European style as well. Does anyone have any wisdom on this? The owner suggested that the car came up from South America.

Steve.
1958 220S
Stockton, CA

maybe they damaged the original trunk lid and replaced it with one off a gasser?

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Current:
05 E320 CDI
07 GL320 CDI
08 Sprinter
05 Dodge Cummins
01 Dodge Cummins

Previous
2004 E55 AMG
2002 C32 AMG (#2)
1995 E300
1978 300D
1987 300D
2002 C32 AMG(blown motor :[
1981 300SD
1983 300SD
1987 300SDL
2002 Jetta TDI
1996 S420
1995 S500
1993 190E 2.6
1992 190E 2.3
1985 190E 2.3 5-Speed

That was one of my thoughts. The plate on the sheet metal in front of the radiator says 250/ 8 as well. I just remembered. Steve.

South America you say? Dunno how long MB has been assembling them in Brazil but it could be a kosher conversion done at the factory there. If you run the VIN# through MB North America they can tell you what features the car was originally equiped with according to the pink slip they've archived that lists paint color, engine displacement, key numbers, etc. And if the pink slip shows that it originally came with the 2.5 fuel injected gasoline engine, then the conversion was done clandestine.

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'80 300SD/ w116
'79 240D 4-spd
'71 750cc Guzzi

previously owned:

'83 240D 4-spd
'77 280SEL 4-spd
'74 280/8
'72 250/8
'65 220Sb 4-spd
'63 220Sb 4-spd
'63 190c 4-spd
'61 220Sb 4-spd
'60 190b 4-spd

for it being converted.

the coupe seems less likely to have been a candidate for a diesel back then.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks Dog. I'll get the VIN and run it through MBA. I guess it would be a good idea to run it through Carfax as well, if the test drive goes well. First, the owner and I are going to explore why the emergency brake release is not working. It appears that the back brakes are engaged so that the car will not go forward. It will back up but it is obvious that the rear brakes are right there. Did try the old engage the tranny in all gears with the ebrake on test and the clutch and tranny appear to be working correctly. Hope we can get the rear brake thing sorted so that I can test drive the car. I've never driven a diesel Mercedes and I am VERY curious. Though Robyn loves driving her '58 220S to work(on non-rainny days,) she keeps prodding about adding a diesel to the fleet.

Best Regards,

Robyn & Steve Drivon
1958 220S "Pinot"
Stockton, California